5 Ways to Harmonize a Melody

Learn more at: https://www.creativemusiclab.com In this video, I show you my 5 favorite ways to harmonize a melody: Harmonize an arpeggiated chord to be exact. With this harmonization, you add some notes; creating an Am7 sound. 0:00 : intro 0:51 : A 3rd on top 1:25 : A 6th below 2:05 : A 3rd below 2:43 : A 5th on top 3:29 : A 7th on top Harmonizing a melody is an essential skill for any musician or composer. It involves creating additional musical parts that complement the melody and enhance its overall sound. There are many different ways to harmonize a melody, and in this article, we will explore four options: harmonizing a third on top, a sixth below, a fifth on top, and a seventh on top. Harmonizing a Third on Top One of the most common ways to harmonize a melody is by adding a third on top. This means creating a second part that plays a note that is a third higher than the melody. For example, if the melody is playing a C, the harmonized part would play an E. This creates a simple, yet effective, harmony that is often used in pop music and other popular genres. The harmonized part can be played on a different instrument, such as a guitar or keyboard, or sung by a backup vocalist. Harmonizing a Sixth Below Another option for harmonizing a melody is by adding a sixth below. This means creating a second part that plays a note that is a sixth lower than the melody. For example, if the melody is playing a C, the harmonized part would play an A. This creates a more complex harmony that can add depth and richness to the overall sound. It is often used in classical and jazz music, and can be played by instruments such as violas or cellos. Harmonizing a Fifth on Top Adding a fifth on top is another popular way to harmonize a melody. This involves creating a second part that plays a note that is a fifth higher than the melody. For example, if the melody is playing a C, the harmonized part would play a G. This creates a bright, uplifting harmony that is often used in folk and country music. It can be played on instruments such as banjos or mandolins, or sung by backup vocalists. Harmonizing a Seventh on Top Finally, harmonizing a melody with a seventh on top involves creating a second part ♫ ONLINE LESSONS: I teach guitar & songwriting to people all over the world! ♫ Feel free to contact me on any of my socials: ➤ Facebook ➤   / hennephof   ➤ Instagram ➤   / barthennephof   #songwriting #harmonizing #guitar